Foreign Secretary condemns attack in southern Israel

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the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Foreign Secretary William Hague reiterates that Hamas must halt these strikes immediately, and rein in other militant factions in Gaza.

Commenting on the attack today on a bus in southern Israel, the Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

“I unreservedly condemn today’s attack from Gaza on a bus carrying schoolchildren in southern Israel. The initial reports we have received suggest the bus was deliberately targeted and that a 16 year old boy has been critically injured. This is a despicable and cowardly act that stands in stark contrast to people’s desire for peaceful reform across the region. Violence will never deliver peace. I reiterate that Hamas must halt these strikes immediately, and rein in other militant factions in Gaza.

This attack further highlights Israel’s legitimate security concerns. As I have made clear, Israel has every right to protect its people. But it is also important that in so doing that it also shows restraint and makes every effort to avoid causing civilian casualties. I am very concerned about reports that several people in Gaza were killed and others wounded in retaliatory strikes.”